Holm Primary School

Infobox_University
name =Holm Primary
established =1974
type =State
rector =Mrs Margaret Hay
staff =c25
students =c350
city =Inverness
country =United Kingdom

Holm primary is a primary school located in the Holm area of Inverness, Highland, Scotland.

The School Buildings

Holm Primary School is situated off Stratherrick Road overlooking Holm Mains and Holm Park. The main access is from Stratherrick Road - opposite Lochardil Woods. In addition, pedestrian access can be had using the steps up from Holm Mains at Boarstone Avenue.

The school opened in August 1974 and was extended in February 1979. It provides comfortable accommodation for up to 350 pupils. All the accommodation is one the ground floor.

There are four main buildings: The Administration Block, which contains the Head Teacher's and Secretary's offices, the Staff Room, Music Room, Hall, Dining Area and Kitchen.

*Teaching Block A, where the Nursery Class, P1, P2 and P2/3 are situated.

*Teaching Block B, where P3/4, P4/P5 and the Pink Panther playgroup are situated.

*Teaching Block C, where P5/6, P6, P7, School library and Teachers' Resource Room and Medical Room are situated.

Each of the Teaching Blocks has a central "open area" adjacent to classrooms. The "open areas" are provided as classroom extensions. Each Teaching Block has its drinking water fountain and toilet facilities.

Each class has at least one PC with internet access and email facilities. In addition, the school has a bank of PC's in the open area of C-Block and laptop computers for use throughout the school. The 21st Century is very much the age of the computer and so it is vitally important that children are prepared for this.

The school has spacious outside playing and recreational areas. The grass area provides space for athletics, football, hockey, rugby, orienteering etc. The tarmacadam area in the centre of the school grounds can be used for playground games and activities such as cycling instruction. In 2002 the PTA secured lottery funding for the construction of a basketball court at the edge of the playing field.

Catchment Area

Holm School delineated area (catchment area) starts at Island Bank Road and includes the area outwards from Drummond Circus, Drummond Crescent, Holm Mills, Holm Mains, Holm Park and Ness-side. On the east side it includes Ardholm Place, Ardbreck Place, Ardness Place, the new Holm Dell development, Essich and the farms west of Culduthel Road and The Inverness Royal Academy.

School Uniform

School Colours

The school colours are red and grey and these are reflected in the school uniform and school team strips.

Uniform

The school encourages pupils to wear official school uniform. We believe that it is very smart, economical and practical. It is as follows:

Girls:

*Grey Pinafore or Skirt or Trousers

*Red or White Polo Shirt

*Grey or Red Cardigan or Pullover / School Sweatshirt

Boys:

*Grey Trousers

*Red or White Polo Shirt

*Grey or Red Pullover / School Sweatshirt

Although this dress is not compulsory we feel that it is preferable and the school strongly recommend s that children wear it at all times.

School Badge

The school badge reflects the Pictish history of the area. The boar's head is taken from the Boarstone - which used to stand along from the school - and the words "Holm School" are 'enclosed' in an open Pictish bangle. The Boarstone is now 'housed' in the Headquarters of Highland Council in Glenurquhart Road, Inverness.

School Hours

Nursery:

*09.00 - 11.30 or 12.30 – 15.00

P.1 to P.3:

*09.15 - 12.15

*13.15 - 14.45 (P.1 attend mornings only for the first four weeks of Term 1)

P.4 to P.7:

*09.00 - 12.30

*13.15 - 15.00

School Intervals

Morning

*P.1 to P.7 - 10.30 to 10.45

Lunch

*P.1 to P.3 - 12.15 to 13.15
*P.4 to P.7 - 12.30 to 13.15

School Board

The School Board operates under the umbrella of The Highland Council, actively supporting the work of the school - providing parents with a further line of communication between themselves, the school and the Education Authority.

Meetings of the Board take place on a regular basis. Meetings are open to parents and to the public. The present pattern is that two meetings of the Board take place each term.

Holm School Parent Teacher Association (HSPTA)

In September 1999 Holm School's first PTA was set up. The PTA has four main aims:

*to organise fund raising events;

*to promote communication between parents and the school;

*to encourage a social dimension; and,

*to develop links with other primary schools.

The committee has parent members and teacher members.

The PTA organises a variety of fund raising events such as discos, carol singing, coffee mornings and sponsored events. The money is used to benefit all the children in the school. All parents are eligible to serve on the P.T.A.

Transfer to Secondary Education

Pupils will normally transfer to Inverness Royal Academy.

A close liaison exists between Inverness Royal Academy and its associated primary schools and regular meetings take place to discuss matters concerning all. Throughout the year, Academy staff and Primary Head Teachers work closely together to ensure continuity of education and to provide adequate information to parents of pupils in Primary 7 at the transfer stage.

In the Spring and Summer terms, English, Mathematics and Support for Learning Staff from the Academy visit the school for discussion, observation and assessment which will highlight pupils likely to have support needs in the secondary school. Parents of P7 children meet with the rector in Holm School during the spring term and later in the Academy, in the summer term.

In June there is a one day visit to the Academy by the P7 Teacher and P7 pupils.

The children enjoy this visit and feel rather more confident about the next stage of their school career when the visit is completed. In addition, P7 Parents are invited to a Parents' Evening at the Academy on the same date, to give them an opportunity to see the buildings and have any questions answered.

Various other activities are held in Inverness Royal Academy during Term 4. This enables children from all the associated primary schools to meet together and to establish links before starting their secondary education.

See also

*Education in Scotland

External links

* [http://www.holm.highland.sch.uk Holm Primary School]

References

* [http://www.holm.highland.sch.uk Holm Primary School]